A H GH CURRENT VACUUM INTERRUPTER WITH SECTIONAL
ELECTRODE AND JLTI HEAT PIPES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims prior y from and claims the benefit of U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 3/918,031, filed June 14, 20 , which is incorporated
b reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The disclosed and claimed concept relates to circuit interrupters and, more
specifically, to vacuum circuit interrupters, such as, for example, a vacuum circuit
interrupter including electrodes enclosing heat transfer assemblies.
Bac groun Information
Circuit breakers and other such devices provide protection for electrical
systems from electrical fault conditions such as current overloads, short circuits, and
low level voltage conditions. In one embodiment, circuit breakers include a springpowered
operating mechanism whic opens electrical contacts to interrupt the current
through the conductors in an electrical system i response to abnormal conditions. n
particular vacuum circuit interrupters include separable main contacts disposed
within an insulated and hermetically sealed vacuum chamber within a housing. The
contacts are part of an electrode including a stem a d a contact member. Generally,
one of the electrodes is fixed relative to the housing. Th other electrode is moveable
relative to the bousing and the other electrode. In a vacuum circuit interrupter, the
moveable electrode assembly usually comprises a copper stem of circular crosssection
having the contact member at one end enclosed within the vacuum chamber,
an a driving mechanism at the other end which is external to the vacuum chamber.
Vacuum interrupters are, in one embodiment, used to interrupt medium
voltage alternating current (AC) currents and, also, high voltage AC currents of
several thousands of amperes or more n one embodiment, one vacuum interrupter is
provided for each phase of a multi-phase circuit a d the vacuum interrupters for the
several phases are actuated simultaneously by a common operating mechanism, or
separately or independently by separate operating mechanisms. The electrodes can
take three positions: closed, opened and grounded.
When the electrodes are in the closed position, e contact members are in
electrical co nic tion and electricity flows therethrough n this configuration, ihe
electrodes become heated. Genera y, the amount of heat generated is a function of
the cross-sectional area of the electrodes and the amount of current. That is, smaller
electrodes and or higher currents generate more heat. Accordingly, using traditional
electrodes, in order to have a circui t breaker rated a a higher current, the electrode
must be larger.
Larger electrodes, however, have several disadvantages, For example, larger
electrodes are more expensive and require a more robust operating mechanism, which
is also more expensive. Further, a larger/more robust operating mechanism requires
more energy to operate and is, therefore, more expensive to use as well. There is.
therefore, a need for an electrode that is rated at a higher current while having a
sma er size and/or volume. There is further need for such an electrode to be
operable with existing circuit breakers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These needs, and others, are me by at least one embodiment of the disclosed
concept which provides an electrode assembly for a circuit breaker. The electrode
assembly includes a conductive assembly and a heat transfer assembly. The
conductive assembly includes a stem portion and a contact portion. The heat transfer
assembly includes a number of elongated bodies, a first heat transfer surface, and a
second heat transfer surface. The first heat transfer surface is d posed on the
conductive assembly. Each heat transfer assembly body includes a second heat
transfer surface. Each heat transfer assembly body is coupled to the conductive
assembly with the first heat transfer surface coupled to a number of second heat
transfer surfaces.
The heat transfer assembly allows heat to be draw from the electrode so that
the electrode is cooled.
BRIEF PESC PTIO OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the
following description of the disclosed embodiments when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which;
Figure I is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a vacuum circuit breaker.
Figure 2 is sectional isometric vi e of a vacuum interrupter assembly.
Figure 3 is a sectional isometric vi e of an electrode assembly.
Figure 4 is an isometric view of number of coil members.
Figure 5A is a bottom view of one embodiment of a number of coil members.
Figure SB i a bottom view of another embodiment of a number of coil
members.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an electrode assembly.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of a . support member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PR EFERRED EMBODIMENTS
wi l be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein
and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of
the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the
purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered
limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.
Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,
counterclockwise, left right top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives
thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are ot
limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
As used herein, the singular form of "a," "an," and "the" include plural
references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are
"coupled shall mean that re part are joined or operate together either directly or
indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long a
link occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are directly
in contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that
two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant
orientat relative to each other. Accordingly when two elements are coupled, all
portions of those elements are coupled . A description, however, of a spec ific portion
of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., a axle first end being
coupled to a first wheel means that the specific portion of the first element is
disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof.
As used herein, "sealingly coupled directly coupled or fixed" means that the
coupled elements are coupled with a seal so tha no substantial amount of fluid passes
through the coupling. Elements that are "sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed"
are able to maintain vacuum for an extended period of time.
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage"
one another shal mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly
or through one or more intermediate parts or components.
As used herein, the word "unitary" means a component is created as a single
piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and
then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body.
As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than
one (i.e., a plurality).
As used herein, ''coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or
coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are
generally not part of the same element or other component. As such the components
of a "coupling assembly" may not b described at the same time in the following
description.
As used herein, a "coupling or "coupling components)" is one o ore
component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least
two components that are structured to be coupled together. t is understood that the
components of coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For examp le in
a coupling assembly, i one coupling component s a snap socket, the other coupling
component is a snap plug. or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other
coupling component is a nut.
As used herein, "associated" means that the elements are part of the same
assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For
example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While a l the elements are
coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is "associated"
with specific tire.
As used herein, "correspond" indicates that two structural components are
sized and shaped to be sim ar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum
amount of friction. Thus an opening which "corresponds" to a member is sized
slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening
with minimum amou of friction. This definition is modified if the two
components are said to fit "snugly" together or "snuggly correspond " In that
situation, the difference between the size of the components is eve smal ler whereby
the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and or the
component inserted into the opening are made from eformabie or compressible
material the opening may eve be slightly smaller tha the component being inserted
into the opening. This definition is further modified if the two components are said to
"substantially correspond." "Substantially correspond" means that the size of the
opening is very close to the size of the element mserted therein; that is not so close a
to cause substantial friction, as with a snug fit, but with more contact and friction than
a "corresponding fit," i.e.. a "sliahtlv laruer" fit.
As shown in Figure a circuit breaker 10 inc des a number of vacuum
interrupt assemblies 30. The circuit breaker 10 preferably includes a housing
assembly 12 an a control panel 14. an upper terminal 16. a lower terminal 8, an
operating mechanism 20, as we l as the aforementioned vacuum interrupt assembl
30. The circuit breaker housing assembly 1 is coupled, directly coupled or fixed t
the control panel and the operating mechanism 20. n an exemplary embodiment,
the circuit breaker housing assembly 12 partial ly encloses and supports the control
panel 14 and the operating mechanism 20 The control panel 14 is structured to
manually actuate the operating mechanism 20. The operating mechanism 20 moves
the electrodes 72, 74 {discussed below) between a open and closed co fi urat n.
The housing assembly is further coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the upper
terminal and the lower terminal That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the
circuit breaker housing assembly supports the upper terminal and the lower
terminal . The circuit breaker 1 , in an exemplary embodiment (not shown),
includes additional terminals. The upper terminal and the lower terminal are,
respectively, coupled, directly coupled or fixed to a line-in (not shown) and a load
(not shown). Generally, the circuit breaker 10 has a low voltage portion 22 adjacent
to the control pane and a hig voltage portion 24 that includes the vacuum
interrupt assembly 30.
The vacuum interrupter assembly 30 includes vacuum chamber support
housing 32, a vacuum chamber 34. and a pair of separable electrodes 36. hat is, the
separable electrodes 36, in an exemplary embodiment, includes two substantially
similar electrode assemblies 70 (Fig 3), discussed below. One electrode assembly 70
is a stationary, first electrode assembly 72 and the other electrode assembly 70 is a
moveable, second electrode assembly 74 Generally, the vacuum chamber support
housing 32 is coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the vacuum chamber 34. n an
exemplary embodiment, the vacuum chamber support housing 32 substantially
encloses the vacuum chamber 34.
The vacuum chamber 34 includes a sidewall 40 and a bellows 42. The
vacuum chamber sidewall 40, in an exemplary embodiment, includes ho low,
generally cylindrical member 44, a first generally planar torus member 46, and a
second generally planar torus member 48. That is, the first and second torus members
ar generally circular with central opening, hereinafter the first opening SO and the
second opening 52, respectively. The vacuum chamber sidewall cylindrical member
44 includes a first end 54 an a second end 56. The first torus member 46 is sealingiy
coupled, directly coupied or fixed to the vacuum chamber sidewall first end 54. The
second torus member 48 is sealingiy coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the vacuum
chamber sidewall second end 56. Thus, the vacuum chamber sidewall 40 defines a
substantially enclosed space 38.
The bellows 42 include an extendable body 60 having first en 62 and a
second end 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the bellows body 60 is toroidal. Th
bellows bod first end 62 i sealingiy coupied, directly coupled or fixed to the second
torus member 48 and extends about the second opening 52.
The stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74
are substantially disposed within the vacuum chamber enclosed space 38. That is, the
stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 each
include elongated stem portion 80 and a . contact portion 82 stationary electrode
assembly ste port io proximal en 88 partially extends through the vacuum
chamber sidewail 40 at the first opening 50. The vacuum chamber sidewail 40 is
sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the stationary electrode assembly stem
portion proximal end 8. A moveable electrode assembly stem portion proximal end
88 extends through the bellows 42. The bellows second end 64 is sealingly coupled
directly coupled or fixed to the moveable electrode assembly stem portion proximal
end 88. In this configuration, the separable electrodes 36 are substantially sealed
within the vacuum chamber enclosed space 38 The moveable electrode assembly
ste portion proximal end 88 i further coupled, directly coupled or fixed to, and in
electrical communication with, the upper terminal . The moveable electrode
assembly stem portion proximal end 88 is further coupled, directly coupled or fixed
to, and in electrical communication with, the lower terminal 18.
Details about the operating mechanism 20 for moving the electrode assemblies
72 and 74 are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,743,876. Genera y the
operating mechanism 20 moves the separable electrodes 36 between an open first
position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 i spaced from, and not in
electrical communication with, the stationary electrode assembly 72, and, a closed
second position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 is coupled to, or
directly coupled to, a d in electrical communication with, the stationary electrode
assembly 72. The stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode
assembly 74 are substantially similar.
As shown n Figure 3, an electrode assembly 70 includes a stem portion 80
and a contact portion 82. The electrode assembly stem portion 0 is elongated an
includes a longitudinal axis 84 as well as a distal end 86 an a proximal end 88. As
used herein, the electrode assembly stem portion distal end 86 is the end disposed
within the vacuum chamber 34 and the electrode assembly stem portion proximal end
88 is the end extending through the vacuum chamber 34. The electrode assembly
contact portion 82 is, in an exemplary embodiment, is a generally planar member 89.
The plane of the electrode assembly contact portion 82 extends generally
perpendicular to the electrode assembly ste portion longitudinal axis 84. The other
elements of the electrode assembly 70, described below, ar part of either, or both, the
electrode assembly stem portion 80 and/or the electrode assembly contact portion 82.
It is understood that the terras "ste portion" and "contact portion" may be use as
adjectives to identify the location, or approximate location, and/or the shape of
portions of the other elements of the electrode assembly 70. For example, it
understood that if an element is identified as a "stem portion" it is elongated and if an
element is identified as a "contact portion" it is generally planar or is disposed in a
p la e.
The electrode assembly 70 further includes a conductive assembly 0 and a
heat transfer assembly 200. The conductive assembly 90 includes a stem portion 92
and a contact portion 94. As discussed below, a first heat transfer surface 204 is
incorporated into the conductive assembly 90 as well. The conductive assembly 90
includes a number of elongated coi members 100, an end cap 40, and a contact
member (SO. Further, the coil members 100 each include a stem portion 104 and a
contact portion 06 . The conductive assembly stem portion 92 includes the coil
member stem portion and the end cap 0. The conductive assembly contact
portion 94 includes the coil member contact portion and the contact member 160.
The number of coil members 0 are conductive members assembled so as to
form a generally circular, or cylindrical, assembly, as shown i Figure 4. Thus each
coil member 100 extends over an arc. The number of coil members 0 determines
the size and the curvature of each coil member 0. For example, if there are four
coil members 00, as shown in Figure A, each coil member OO extends over an arc
of about ninety degrees whereas in an embodiment with three coil members 0 as
shown in Figure 5B, each coil member extends over an arc of about one-lumdred and
twenty degrees. Thus, generally, the arc of eac coi l member 00 is 360/ wherein N
is the number of coi l members 0 .
The coil members 100 are, in an exemplary embodiment, substantially similar
and, as such only one will be described. A coil member 00 includes a body 102
having a ste portion 104 and contact portion 106. Th co member stem portion
is elongated and has a generally arcuate cross-section. Thus, the coi member
ste portion 4 includes a longitudinal axis 7, a first lateral side 08 and a second
lateral side As noted above, the arc of the coil member stem portion 04 is
related to the number of coil members .00. Further, as described below, in an
exemplary embodiment, there is a gap 30 between adjacent coi members 100. Thus,
i an exemplary embodiment, the arc of the co member stem portion 4 is slightly
less than 3 0 N wherein N is the number of cod members 0. Further, cod member
stem portion 4 includes a first end and a second end 1.4. As shown in Figure
3 the coil member stem poriion first end is disposed at the electrode assembly
stem portion distal end 86, and. the coil member stem portion second end is
disposed at the electrode assembly stem poriion proximal end 8 .
The coil member contact portion 6 includes an inner arcuate portion , a
radial portion 120 and a circumferential portion 2. The coil member contact
portion inner arcuate portion 11 (hereinafter, "coil member arcuate portion 8") is,
in an exemplary embodiment, unitary with the coil member stem portion 1 4 and is
i an exemplary embodiment, an extension of the coil member stem portion second
end . The coil member contact portion radial portion 120 (hereinafter "coil
member radial portion 120" extends radially outwardly from the coi l member
arcuate portion 11 and generally perpendicular to the coil member stem poriion
longitudinal axis 07. That is. the coil member radial portion 0 is coupled directly
coupled, fixed, or unitary with, the coi member arcuate poition . The coil member
radial portion 20, in an exemplary embodiment, extends over an arc that is
substantially smaller tha the arc of the coil member stem portion 4.
The coil member contact portion circumferential portion 2 (hereinafter "coil
member circumferential portion 22") is a generally planar, arcuate member. The coil
member circumferential portion 122 is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or unitary
with, the coil member radial portion 120. The coil member circumferential portion
2 is spaced from the coil member stem portion 04. Similar to the coil member
stem portion 104, th arc of the coil member circumferential portion ϊ 22 is related to
the number of coil members 0. Further, as described be low. in an exemplary
embodiment, there is a gap 30 between adjacent coil members 0. Thus, in an
exemplary embodiment, the arc o f the coil member circumferen tial portion 122 is
slightly less tha 360/N wherein N is the number of coil members 1 0 The coil
member circionlerential portion 22 is disposed in plane that is generally
perpendicular to the coil member stem portion longitudinal axis 1 7
The co l member contact portion 106 includes an outer, first surface 4 and
an inner, second suriace 126. reference to the coil member contact portion first and
second surfaces 124, 126, "outer" means away from d e point where two electrode
assemblies 70 engage each other, and, 'inner" means toward the point where two
electrode assemblies 70 engage each other. The cod member contact portion first
sisrface 4 includes the outer surface of the coil member radial portion 0, and the
coil member circumferential portion 2 The coi member contact portion second
surface 26 includes the inner surface of the coil member arcuate portio ! . the coil
member radial portion 20, and the coil member circumferential portion 2.
The end cap 140 is a conductive member and, n an exemplary embodiment,
includes a generally planar disk-shaped body 42 having an outer, first surface 144,
an inner, second surface 6 and a radial surface 8 The end cap 140 further
includes number of passages Oextending through the end cap body 142. The end
cap radial surface 4 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to either the
vacuum chamber first torus member 46 or the bellows body second end 64 depending
upon the location of the electrode assembly 70.
As shown in Figure 6, the number of coil members 100 are coupled, directly
coupled, fixed, or unitary with end cap 40. I an exemplary embodiment, the coil
members 0 extend from the end cap second surface 146. The number of coil
members 0 are disposed about a common longitudinal axis which, in an exemplary
embodiment, is the electrode assembly stem portion longitudinal axis 84. As noted
above, the arc of the coi member stem portion 104 is slightly less than 360/N wherein
N. s the number of coil members 100. Thus, when the coil members 100 are evenly
spaced about a common longitudinal axis, there is a gap 0 between eac pair of
adjacent coil member stem portion Iateral sides 8, Ϊ 10. That is, a first coil member
stem portion first lateral side 08 is spaced from second, adjacent coil member stem
portion second lateral side 0. Thus, there are a numbe of longitudinal gaps 0
extending over the conductive assembly stem portion 92.
The conductive assembly contact portion 94 includes the coil member contact
portion 06, described above, and the contact member 160. The contact member 160
is a conductive member and, in an exemplary embodiment, a generally planar diskshaped
body .62. The contact member body .62 includes an outer, first surface 164
and an inner, second surface 6 As shown n Figure 1, when two electrode
assemblies 70 are disposed in opposition to each other; such as the stationary
electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74, the two contact
member second surfaces 6 engage each other, and are in electrical communication,
when the contact assemblies 70 are in a closed second position. The contact member
first surface 1 4 is coupled directly coupled, or fixed to, and in electrical
communication with, each coil member 0. n an exemplary embodiment, as shown
in Figure 3, each coil member contact portion 6, i.e. each coil member radial
portion 20 and each coil member circumferential portion second surface 6 is
coupled, direct coupled, or fixed to, and in electrical communication with, the
contact member first surface .64. Further, in this configuration, the conductive
assembly 90 allows for high efficient current density. In an exemplary embodiment,
the conductive assembly 90 has a diameter of about 20 UB or larger..
The heat transfer assembly 200 includes a number of elongated bodies 202, a
first heat transfer surface 204, and second heat transfer surface 206. In an
exemplary embodiment, the elongated bodies 202 are heat pipes 208. As used herein,
a "heat pipe" is a hollow tubular member and, in an exemplary embodiment, a sealed
member having a vacuum and a wire mesh wick not shown) within the tubular
ember h an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer bodies 202 have a generally
circular cross-section. The heat transfer bodies 202 each include a stem portion 2 1
and a contact portion 2 2. The eat transfer assembly body stem portion includes
a first end 2 4 (hereinafter "heat transfer assembly body first end 2 "), and, the heat
transfer assembly body contact portion 212 includes a seco d end 216 (hereinafter
"heat transfer assembly body second end 216"). In an exemplary embodiment, the
heat transfer assembly body contact portion 2 is disposed in a plane and that plane
is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat transfer assembly body
stem portion . Further, the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 2 is in
an exemplary embodiment, generally arcuate and has a curvature corresponding to the
coil member circumferential portion 2
The first heat transfer surface 204 is disposed on the conductive assembly 90.
That is, the first heat transfer surface 204 is also part of the conductive assembly 90.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first heat transfer surface 204 is the surface of a
heat transfer passage 220 extending through the conductive assembly contact portion
94. For example, as shown in Figure 3 the contact member bod outer, first surface
4 includes a channel 230. The contact member channel 230 may be formed i
intermittent segments. Further, the coi -member contact portion second surface 6
includes a channel 232. n an exemplary embodiment, the coil member channel 232
is disposed on the inner surface of the coil member arcuate portion e contact
member channel 230 and each the coii member channel 232 are positioned so that,
when the coil members 0 are coupled to the contact member 60, the contact
member channel 230 and each the coil member channel 232 form the heat transfer
passage 220. That is, each co l member contact portion second surface 6 i
coupled to the contact member first surface 164 with each coil member contact
portion second surface channel 232 aligned with the contact member first surface
channel 230 whereby each coil member contact portion second surface channel 232
and the contact member first surface channel 230 form the heat transfer passage 220.
In this configuration, the first heat transfer surface 20 is disposed
substantially over the surface of the heat transfer passage 220. Further the heat
transfer assembly body contact portion is sized and shaped to correspond to the
heat transfer passage 220. Thus when the heat transfer assembly body contact
portion 212 has a generally circular cross-section, the contact member first surface
channel 230 and each co member contact portion second surface channel 232 have a
generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. When assembled, the heat transfer
assembly body contact portion 2 s disposed m the heat transfer passage 220. In
this configuration, the secon heat transfer surface 206 is disposed over the surface of
each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion
In an alternate embodiment, shown schematically in Figure SB, the conductive
assembly 90 defines a generally semi-circular heat transfer sroove 240. The
conductive assembly heat transfer groove 240 has a greater radius than in the prior
embodiment an is disposed on one of the contact member body outer, first surface 4
or inner surface of the coil member circumferential portion 2 (as shown . in an
exemplary embodiment, not shown, wherein die heat transfer groove 240 is disposed
between the coil member arcuate portion and the coil member circumferential
portion 122, th heat transfer groove 240 is semi-circular an corresponds to the
generally circular cross-sectional shape of a heat transfer body contact portion 212.
That is, about half of each heat transfer body contact portion 2 is disposed in the
heat transfer groove 240.
In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 5B the heat transfer groove
240 is about as, or slightly more, deep as the diameter of the heat transfer body
contact portion 2 .
As noted above, each of the stationary electrode assembly 72 and the
moveable electrode assembly 74 are electrode assemblies 70 a described above. The
stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 are
disposed in the vacuum chamber 34 and in opposition to each other. That is, each of
the stationary electrode assembly's 72 and the moveable electrode assembly's 74
contact member second surfaces 6 ace each other. As further described above, the
stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 move
between an open first position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 is spaced
from, and not in electrical communication with, the stationary electrode assembly 72,
and, a closed second position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 i coupled
to, or directly coupled to and in electrical communication with, the stationary
electrode assembly 72.
In an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer assembly 200 includes a heat
sink 250. That is as shown schematically in Figure 1, each heat transfer assembly
body first end 2 4 extends through the associated end cap 0 and outside of the
vacuum chamber 34 n an exemplary embodiment, each heat transfer assembly body
first end 2 is further coupled to, directly coupled to, fixed to, or unitary with a heat
sink 250 (shown schematically). The heat sink 250 associated with th moveable
electrode assembiy 74 is, in a exemplary embodiment, coupled to, directly coupled
to, fixed to, a movable element of the operating mechanism 20 and moves with the
moveable electrode assembly 74 when the moveable electrode assembly 74 moves
between the first a d second positions.
Further in an exemplary embodiment, the conductive assembly 90 includes a
support member 260, as shown in Figure 8 . The support member 260 is structured to
enclose the coil members 0 Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the support
member 260 s a tubular shell including a stem portion 262 an a contact portion 264.
The support member stem portion 262 has a radius that corresponds to the radius of
the coil members 0, when assembled. The support member contact portion 264 has
a radius that corresponds to the contact member 60 There is a tapered portion 266
between the support member stem portion 262 and the support member contact
portion 264. In an exemplary embodiment, the support member 260 is stainless steel.
The support member 260 is structured to refine the electrical field of the electrode
assembly 70. That is, the support member 260 is a generally cylindrical volume,
which, when exposed to a high voltage creates an electrical field that is generally
uniform around the surface of the general ly cylindrical support member 260.
While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in
detail i will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and
altemati ves to those detai ls could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed ar meant to be
illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be
given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed :
1. An electrode assembly (70) for a circuit breaker ( 0 ) comprising:
a conductive assembly (90) including a stem portion (92), contact portion
(94);
a heat transfer assembly (200) including a number of elongated bodies (202), a
first heat transfer surface (240), and a second heat transfer surface (206);
said first heat transfer surface (204) disposed on said conductive assembly
(90); and
each said heat transfer assembly body (202) including a second heat transfer
surface (206); and
each said heat transfer assembly body (202) coupled to said conductive
assembly (90) with said first hea transfer surface (204) coupled to number of
second heat transfer surfaces (206).
. The electrode assembly (70) of Claim wherein each said heat transfer
assembly body is a heat pipe (208)
3. The electrode assembly (70) of Claim I wherein:
each said heat transfer assembly body (202) including ste portion ( )
and a contact portion ( 2);
wherein each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion ( ) has a
generally circular cross-sectionsaid
conductive assembl (90) defines a generally circular heat transfer
passage (220);
each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion (2 2 corresponding to
said hea transfer passage (220);
wherein said fi rs hea transfer surface (204) is disposed substantially over the
surface of said heat transfer passage (220); and
wherein said second heat transfer surface (206) is disposed over the surface of
each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion ( ).
4 Th electrode assembly (70) of Claim 1 wherein:
each sa d heat transfer assembly body (202) including a stem portion ( )
and a contact portion (2 2);
wherein each said heat transfer assembly bod contact portion ( ) has
generally circular cross-section;
said conductive assembly (90) defines a generally serai-circular heat transfer
groove (240);
each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion ( 2) corresponding to
said heat transfer groove (240);
wherein said first heat transfer surface (204) is disposed over the surface of
said heat transfer groove (240); and
wherein sai second heat transfer surface (206) is disposed over about 180
degrees of the surface of each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion (212).
. The electrode assembly (70) of Claim 1 wherein:
said conductive assembly contact portion (94) includes generally planar
contact member (160) and a number of coi l member contac t portions (106);
each said contact member (160) including a first surface ( 4) and a second
surface (166);
each said contact member first surface ( 4) defining a channel (230);
each said coil member contact portions (106) including a first surface (124)
and a second surface ( 126);
each said coil member contact portion second surface (126) defining a channel
(232);
each said coil member contact portion second surface ( 6) coupled to said
contact member first surface ( 4) with each said coi member contact portion second
surface channel (232) aligned with said contact member first surface channel (230)
whereby each said coil member contact portion second surface channel (232) and sai
contact member first surface channel (230) form a heat transfer passage (220);
each said heat transfer assembly body (202) including a stem portion (2 )
an a co tac port n ( 2 );
each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion ( 2 corresponding to
sai heat transfer passage (220); and
each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion (2 2 disposed n said
heat transfer passage (220).
6. The electrode assembly (70) of Claim 5 wherein:
said conductiv assembly (90) includes a number of coi members ( 0);
each coil e ber ( 0) including a stem portion (104) and said coil member
contact portion (106);
each co member contact portion ( 6) including a radial portion (120) and a
circumferential portion ( 2);
each said coil member stem portion (104) having a first end ( 12), a second
end ( . ), and a longitudinal axis ( 107) and
each said coil member radial portion ( 20) and each said coi member
circumferential portion ( 2) disposed at a associated co member stem portion first
end ( 1 ) and disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to said coil member
stem portion longitudinal axis ( 7).
7. The electrode assembly (70) of Claim wherein:
each coil member stem portion (104) has an arcuate cross-sectionai shape
including a first lateral side ( 08) and a second lateral side ( 10);
wherein said coil members ( 00) are disposed about a common longitudinal
axis (107) and wherein each coil member stem portion lateral side (108, ) is
spaced from a adjacent coil member stem portion lateral side (108, ) whereby
there are a number of longitudinal gaps (130) between said coil members ( 0); and
wherein each said heat transfer assembly bod stem portion (2 ) is disposed
in a longitudinal gaps (130) between said coil members ( 0).
8. The electrode assembly (70) of Claim 6 wherein:
said conductive assembly stem portion (92) includes an end cap (140);
said end cap (140) coupled to each coil member second end ( 14);
each said each said heat transfer assembly body stem portion ( 1 ) has a first
end ( 4 and a second end ( );
each said heat transfer assembly body stem portion first en ( ) disposed
adjacent coil member stem portion first end ( ); a d
each said heat transfer assembly body stem portion second end ( 1 )
extending through said end cap (140).
9. A vacuum interrupter assembly (30) comprising:
a vacuum chamber (34) including a sidewall (40) and a bellows (42);
said vacuum chamber sidewall (40) defining an enclosed space (38) and
including a first opening (50) and a second opening (52);
a bellows (42) including a body (60) with a first end (62) and a second end
(64);
sa d bellows body first end (62) sea!ingly coupled to said vacuum chamber
sidewall (40) about said second opening (52);
a stationary first electrode assembly (72) including a stem portion (80) and
contact portion (82);
said first electrode assembly stern portion (80) seaimgiy coupled to said
vacuum chamber sidewall (40) at said sidewall first opening (50);
a movable, second electrode assembly (74) including a stem portion (SO) and a
contact portion (82);
said second electrode assembly ste portion (80) sea i giy coupled to said
bellows second end (64); and
at least one of said first and second electrode assemblies (72, 74) comprising
an electrode assembly according to any of Claims 1-8.
The vacuum interrupt assembly (30) of Claim 9 wherein:
said heat transfer assembly (200) further includes a heat sink 250); and
each said heat transfer assembly body (202) coupled to said heat sink (250).
. The vacuum interrupt assembly (30) of Claim wherein said heat
sink (250) is disposed outside of sa d vacuum chamber (34)
12. The vacuum interrupt assembly (30) of Claim 9 wherein:
said first electrode assembly (72) includes:
conductive assembly (90) including a stem portion (92) and a contact
portion (94);
a heat transfer assembly (200) including a -number of elongated bodies
(202), a first heat transfer surface (204), and a second heat transfer surface (206);
sai first heat transfer surface (204) disposed on said conductive
assembly (90);
each said heal transfer assembly body (202) including a second heat
transfer surface (206);
each sai heat transfer assembl bod (202) coupled to said conductive
assembly (90) with sai first heat transfer surface (204) coupled to number of
second heat transfer surfaces (206); and
said second electrode assembly (74) includes:
a conductive assembly (90) including ste portion (92) and a contact
portion (94);
a heat transfer assembly (200) including a number of elongated bodies
(202), a first heat transfer surface (204), and second heat transfer surface (206);
sai first heat transfer surface (204) disposed on said conductive
assembly (90);
each said heat transfer assembl body (202) including a second heat
transfer surface (206); an
eac said heat transfer assembly body (202) coupled to said conductive
assembly (90) wit said first heat transfer surface (204) coupled to a number of
second heat transfer surfaces (206)
. A circuit breaker ( ) comprising:
a housing assembly ( );
an upper terminal (16), said upper terminal ( ) coupied to said housing
assembly ( );
a lower terminal ( ), said lower terminal ( ) coupled to said housing
assembly (12);
operating mechanism (20), said operating mechanism (20) coupled to said
housing assembiy (12); and
a vacuum interrupt assembly (30) according to any of Claims 9- , said
vacuum interrupt assembly (30) being coupled to said upper terminal ( ) and said
wer terminal ( )